Clare Island

The largest of Clew Bay’s islands, Clare Island, has been inhabited for 5,000 years. It boasts dramatic coastal cliffs and spectacular views of the surrounding bay.
Ferry services from Roonagh Quay take about 15 minutes over to the island, and Roonagh is 28km (17.5 miles) west of Westport.

The island is closely associated with the famous 16th century pirate queen, Granuaile (Grace O’Malley), who lived in a castle on the island during the course of her life as a “chief commander and director of thieves and murderers at sea,” according to contemporaneous accounts. She is reputedly buried in the O’Malley tomb in the island’s 13th century Cistercian abbey, also home to some of the finest medieval wallpaintings in Ireland.

The current permanent population of 130 increases substantially during the summer when there is a steady tourist season.
Activities include walking tours, bus tours, bike hire, swimming at the Blue Flag beach, birdwatching, diving, and horse trekking. It is also popular for yoga.

Clare Island also has six sites on the Clew Bay Archaeological Trail, all of which are clearly signposted: the 16th century Clare Island Tower House (Granuaile’s Castle), the 13-15th century Cistercian Clare Island Abbey, a Bronze-Age Promontory Fort, an early 19th century Signal Tower, a 5,500-year-old Megalithic Court Tomb and a Bronze-Age open air cooking site or Fulacht Fiadh.

A prominent landmark on the island is the Clare Island Lighthouse (now a private home), established by then owner of Westport House, John Denis Browne, the 1st Marquess of Sligo, in 1806.